HE’S A COLOSSUS
Warnock pays tribute to skipper Sol as Bluebirds stay on promotion track
NEIL Warnock says he wouldn’t swap Sol Bamba for any Premier League centre-back after Cardiff City’s “colossus” earned the Bluebirds boss his favourite three points of the season.
Bamba’s 58th minute header earned Cardiff victory over Hull, despite Warnock’s injury list starting to take its toll.
Warnock was without any recognised striker and was forced to play Anthony Pilkington for the first time this season, with the veteran manager admitting he went into the clash not knowing how his side would fare for the first time this season.
But Bamba delivered to keep Cardiff four points off leaders Wolves, and Warnock beamed: “I thought Sol was a colossus. I wouldn’t swap him for anyone in the Premier League let alone the Championship.
“He’s been a bit unlucky lately – he scored a good goal against Norwich when they gave a penalty, and he thought it was his goal when Tomlin scored at Reading.
“But he’s always there for us and it’s his presence that makes the difference. He epitomises Cardiff City fans, that’s why they like him, you know those legs will come round like an an octopus when someone thinks they’ve gone past him.
“He’s just genuine and an honest guy, so you’re bound to pick him out when your a supporter, and the other lads respond to him. Anybody goes out of line, he sorts them out.
“He does a lot for charity behind the scenes, he doesn’t do it for recognition but because he enjoys it. He knows he’s lucky to be doing what he’s doing – and we’re so lucky to have him here with us. He wants to win and he wants to be in the Premier League before he finishes.
“I’ve been telling him for seven years he should be there – but this is the closest he’s been. Whether it’s via play-offs or automatic, we’ll give it a good shot.”
Cardiff’s latest win suggests they’re not giving up those dreams without a fight, and Warnock admitted: “I have to say with the problems we’ve got and the people that were out they were magnificent. I think that’s our best three points, given the circumstances.
“It’s a tremendous result, especially when you play last and others have won.
“You can imagine how sick they’ll be watching us. I love that.
“I’ll read their fans sites on Wolves and Bristol City – they do call me some names on there – but they’ll be saying the lucky so-and-sos again!”
Full match coverage in Sport on Sunday